Teacher Resources

Improvisation ideas and alternative notation for pupils who do not read and more. Read about the benefits experienced by learning disabled people when they have been given the opportunity to play a musical instrument. See what has been done by others.

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Join in discussions and share ideas about teaching and learning musical instruments for and by the learning disabled. Encourage others with your success stories.

Tuning in: practical psychology for musicians who are teaching, learning and performing. Handbook and home study course

Lucinda Mackworth-Young
Published 2000 by MMM Publications
Email: musicmindmovement@btinternet.com
ISBN 0 9539485 0 1

This is a useful handbook for music teachers, students, and also the parents of students, including those with learning difficulties.

It covers many diverse topics relating to teaching a musical instrument in a positive and exciting manner, and contains several useful self-assessment exercises for teachers, individuals and groups. Because of this it is only possible to give a very limited indication of the wealth of material that it contains.

The handbook gives useful tips on assessing how a student is feeling and the reasons for negative behaviour patterns, and on managing problems such as frustration with practice, and fears of not being able to cope. Anger and aggression are dealt with in a helpful and positive fashion.

Personally, I have found the sections on improvisation very useful in teaching students with learning difficulties, and also with my most advanced students.

There is a very good section on the role of parents and carers, including such topics as daily encouragement and communication. The supportive role played by parents and carers is vital for all young students, especially those with learning difficulties.